Decision on second Sydney airport delayed

The Abbott government will make a decision on a site for a second Sydney airport “within a few months", rather than its previous target of December, to allow it to examine a new master plan submitted by
Sydney Airport
on Monday, Infrastructure Minister
Warren Truss
says.

In an interview with the ABC’s 7.30 on Monday, Mr Truss indicated Badgerys Creek was likely to be the preferred site.

He said when a decision was made, he would provide more information on the likely timing of the development.

“I think that will settle this issue once and for all and people will see we are serious about it and we are actually proceeding with the project," he said.

Western Sydney Airport Alliance has called for an airport to open by 2027.

Mr Truss said he was “sure" an airport could be built faster than that if needed.

“I think, clearly, what would happen is if an airport was built somewhere from a greenfields site, that you would start modestly and build up the facilities once the traffic volume is justified," he said.

The Australian Financial Review last month reported industry analysts expect the initial development of a one-runway airport focused on low-cost carriers which could be expanded.